Why I picked it up: Culture exists in civic ecosystems, and funding is always a critical need. This seemed like something I needed to check out.

What it covers: Focuses on how culture is financed in 16 cities around the world. It examines government support (both direct and indirect, such as tax breaks and incentives) and private funding. Takes into consideration how it varies geographically, and thus culturally. Case studies of the 16 cities also provided (in the United States, New York, San Francisco, and Los Angeles).

Read or skip? There were no surprises here. We all already know that government support in places like Paris are at a totally different scale than in the US. While there was more nuance than I knew, it didn't feel crucial for what I do … which rates it a skip for most of us. But if you are deep in the weeds of cultural policy and public financing of culture, then yes, this is a good reference for you.